Study Urges Stronger U.s. Control Of Nursing Homes

February 24, 1986|The New York Times

WASHINGTON — A new study by the National Academy of Sciences calls for much stronger federal regulation of nursing homes and emphatically opposes efforts by the Reagan administration to reduce such regulation.

``A stronger federal role is essential`` to protect patients` rights and to improve the quality of care, says a confidential draft of the 300-page report, which was commissioned by the federal government.

In many nursing homes certified by the government, the report said, patients ``receive very inadequate -- sometimes shockingly inadequate -- care that is likely to hasten the deterioration of their physical, mental, emotional, and health status.``

The report added: ``There is a broad consensus that government regulation of nursing homes, as it now functions, is not satisfactory because it allows too many marginal or substandard nursing homes to continue in operation.``

It also said patients in many homes that receive federal Medicaid and Medicare funds ``have their rights ignored or violated, and may even be subject to physical abuse.`` Thus, the report said: ``A reduction in regulation is inappropriate.``

The academy recommended that Congress establish strict new penalties for nursing homes that repeatedly violate federal standards and that federal funds allocated to enforce the standards be increased. It also urged that the statutory distinction between what are called skilled nursing homes and intermediate care facilities be eliminated.

The study took two and a half years and cost $1.5 million. Many of the panel`s recommendations would require action by Congress.

More than 1.3 million Americans reside in nursing homes covered by Medicaid or Medicare, the programs for the poor and the elderly. The homes must meet federal standards to be eligible for federal aid under the programs.